Manchester United banter 3

13 May 2024 14:41:27
Just my tuppenceworth and maybe a bit outside the box but Mark Robins has done so very well with Coventry that I think he cannot be ignored of EtH gets the chop. He took a team which was facing relegation and has had promotions without going berserk in the transfer market - His team nearly put Man U to the sword in the FA Cup. Teuchal seems to ruffle feathers where ever he goes - Potter would need at least two seasons to build a squad - Southgate has a style of play so non-Man U that I fall asleep just thinking about it. There are no really top name managers available at the moment and how many would want to come to Old Trafford just now?

13 May 2024 14:51:58
He did a good job In previous posts too scotmoose.
The suspense is killing me on who they give the job to.

13 May 2024 16:46:53
Giving it to Erik ten hag is what I'm hearing.

14 May 2024 09:45:20
Credit to younger upcoming Championship managers like Robins / Carrick etc. They would definitely be a breath of fresh air and will come good, but I feel tactically there would be a massive gulf when coming up against the best sides and that needs to be learnt with experience rather than be thrown in at a much higher level.

13 May 2024 13:57:01
If ever an image epitomised our football club then it was that of water teeming through the leaking roof yesterday. years of neglect both on and off the pitch coming to a head. Workers were sent up today to patch the roof and I'd say it will be an easier fix than the team.

13 May 2024 16:31:07
It really summed up the Glazer ownership.

13 May 2024 10:52:12
Said on here a couple of weeks ago that I notice Hojlund slips a lot when he's about to strike the ball. Right in front of goal on Sunday on his left foot and I thought just hit the target and once again, slipped. Someone needs to sort his boots out or technique!

13 May 2024 11:23:15
We need an experienced striker or 3! No point in wasting money on CB's if we can't score goals, most important players in a team and generally the most skillful.

Hojlund is a prospect and after recent displays, he should be benched but we can't, as one of the biggest clubs in world football, we do not have a viable alternative to shake things up.

13 May 2024 12:36:48
Yep, he seems to slip at the vital time too often.

There was also a time where he had his centre back pinned, but rather than turn to and get his shot away, he moved away from goal and lost the ball.

I’m reluctant to criticise him as he’s a kid working u set very difficult circumstances. But I do think he lacks that mean streak the likes of Ruud had. He was the master of pinning defenders and scoring with a hard and low shot into the corner. This is where Hojlund needs to improve quickly.

13 May 2024 12:49:45
Don’t disagree but until we give him plenty of chances per game he will struggle to improve. He is feeding off very meagre scraps so it’s hard to refine those skills.

Hopefully we improve that as we provide very little with a full squad and is an area to be addressed, amongst others!

13 May 2024 13:16:47
Wazza

I think he lacks that bit of spite and edge that the very best strikers have.

I remember during the Palace game, Mateta was marking him at corners and was full on bullying him - shoving his elbows into him and just swatting him away, but Hojlund was giving next to nothing back.

He needs to get in the grills of his opponents more, hopefully that will come.

13 May 2024 13:49:05
Ork, I noticed that against Palace too. I still think there's still room for a bit of personary such as the likes of Costa had, and I think that's a god trait of elite level strikers.

13 May 2024 18:34:06
He is a young kid being asked to play like an experienced pro and without decent support and service. Honestly Kane would struggle in this side. Give Hoijlund a break.

He needs an experienced older front player alongside him and wingers prepared to cross with accuracy.

If and when we fix the defence and midfield will be the time byto judge him.

13 May 2024 19:52:22
He is a bit clumsy and his first touch is not great. Makes runs into areas that there is no passing lane and better coming short in the box. Work in progress and first season in the pl for a new young striker always difficult.

Can't be looking to bang in it from 3 or 4 yards in and that where he usually runs to. Too many defenders and goalie for a pass to finds its way.

14 May 2024 09:27:29
I personally think that Hojlund has done well when you consider what he has been surrounded with, his age and inexperience and probably was not ready to be the number 1 striker.

He has a lot to work on and I think we will see a far improved player next year, especially if the team around him is buit better and provide him with supply.

If you look back at most strikers at his age, they all had flaws and developmental bits to work on. He is one of the brighter bits this year, let's not be too hard on him just yet.

13 May 2024 09:37:28
Well another day, lots of huff and puff yesterday, because the crowd demanded it, but we never really created anything. Arsenal scored and were happy to sit in and defend, if he had scored thry would have upped their tempo again l fear. Lots of issues with few positives, only hope our new part owner can see it too. While l agree with the injuries having a big impact we are Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world this shouldn't happen. Only positive from yesterday our ladies team winning the FA cup, their drive and work rate is something our mens team need to look at. Congratulations ladies.

13 May 2024 12:39:25
That’s a bit pessimistic.

What I saw was a marked improvement from the game against Palace.

Baring in mind we our side is like a patchwork quilt, compared to Arsenal who were full strength. We didn’t create much but didn’t deserve to lose either.

What I saw was a mish mash of players who tried, but are not good enough.

13 May 2024 18:36:11
Agree wazza that there was a marked improvement from the Palace shambles but that's a very very low bar to start from. I do think a lot of the players have the capability to play a lot better than they are currently doing and with good coaching mistakes can and will be erased.

13 May 2024 20:33:17
Salford. These are fully grown men. Adults who have, in Evans and Casemiro’s case, almost two decades playing top level football.

I can’t get on board with all these coaching arguments.

Fullbacks are taught not to let wingers run across them from a very early age. Defenders are taught to get back into position and hold their line, from an early age.

These are adults, professionals, earning six figures per week, hiding behind fans who let them get away with diabolical performances “due to poor coaching”.

13 May 2024 07:39:07
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Hidden Gem Players Manchester United Could Sign

13 May 2024 05:24:59
Remember when breaking records that had stood for 50 years was a good thing?

13 May 2024 06:40:42
14 Premier League defeats this season and 19 overall, eighth in the table, with a -4 goal difference, worst defensive record since 1978-79. The midweek fixtures could confirm the lowest finish since 1990.

Still some want to keep ETH, make excuses, try to make out there are no other suitable managers, whilst watching turgid, sideways passing rubbish.

13 May 2024 07:54:22
I suspect a record FA Cup final defeat could be added to the list too sadly.

13 May 2024 09:05:13
On that topic red man. I see Neville wants the club to keep eth to show some stability. Granted that’s a lovely idea and constantly sacking managers isn't a great idea, but neither is keeping the wrong guy in there for another 12 months. If there was evidence to suggest we are on an upturn then fine but it’s more heading the other direction. If we have another season anywhere near as bad as this one then we are in big trouble, with the majority of those players probably still here, then keeping the coaching staff is a recipe for further disaster.

13 May 2024 09:32:41
Hang in there BRD, most here predicted a record defeat yesterday and in all honesty if you'd have told me afterwards that Arsenal could lift the title in a week's time I'd have spat my drink out after watching them.

13 May 2024 10:02:53
RedMan I think you're mischaracterising the position of most of those here suggesting ETH not be sacked. I think I'm in the majority that believe that doing so is a distraction from the main issue that we have an awfully constructed squad, with a bunch of mid- to lower- table players, and a scattering of genuine quality players. With only really the former category available this year, we are going to end up in mid-table. The play has been awful but it was really good last year when he had a consistent and fit squad. So I do not know how to judge him. The players, on the other hand, it is abundantly clear. ETH has brought through Garnacho and Mainoo, has won the Carabao Cup and brought us to the FA Cup final.

13 May 2024 09:36:48
Who are the other suitable managers Red Man? That are realistically available? Don't make the point that Pro EtH fans say there are no suitable managers, and then not name any yourself.

Its the same old boring anti-ETH propaganda and choosing not to point out any of the other variables affecting the club.

13 May 2024 12:48:02
Good post DonRed. The world is not as black and white as people would like it to be.

Make that two FA Cup finals and a European semi final, as well as CL qualification after being exactly where we are now two years ago.

Someone posted last week that it would be 4 years until we got into the top 4 again. Well ETH took us from the exact position we are in now, to top 4, in his first season.

Right now we are exactly where I’d expect us to be in the league given that our back 4 currently consists of a past-it DM, a 36 year old CB, and a left back who can’t even play his preferred position of right back effectively.

I’m not saying ETH has been perfect. But it doesn’t require more than half a brain to see that the circumstances he’s worked under have been extremely difficult.

13 May 2024 13:02:35
Agreed wazza. Quite a few brains missing on here though ?.

13 May 2024 18:52:12
Ah the brain is missing because you don’t agree on ETH.

Tim99 Gary Neville saying don’t sack managers whilst having a conveyer belt out of Salford is rather funny.

13 May 2024 20:35:05
No Red Man that’s not the case at all.

Failure to see the circumstances the manager works under, saying that 90% of the squad needs selling, and then blaming it on the manager. That’s where the brain is missing.

Nobody cares if you have a different opinion ?.

13 May 2024 21:16:37
Wazza
Said many times that I understand the circumstances, I have been saying since before SAF retired that changes were needed, so don’t need telling that. However, the manager should not be doing as anywhere near as badly as this, there should be far more signs of a structure, pattern.

13 May 2024 22:13:57
I agree Red Man there has been no style of play but I blame that on a considerable number of injuries including to players who are key to how ETH wants to play, countless off field issues, and a toxic football club. The feeling right now is the same as it was two years ago. This manager wasn’t at the club the.

12 May 2024 14:21:48
There is a very important game today, just about to kick off.
Our women are in the F. A. Cup Final for a second successive year.
Come on you ladies, best of luck and let's have something to shout about.

12 May 2024 14:54:37
Bring it home ladies…show em how’s it’s done!

12 May 2024 15:20:07
Wot a goal!

12 May 2024 16:02:54
Glad they have brought Malard on, she won't duck out of any challenges!

12 May 2024 16:26:41
Very dominant display by much the better team, ultimately spurred by a world class finish after some great opportunities were squandered.

12 May 2024 16:40:17
4-0 win United ???.

13 May 2024 07:04:40
Atmosphere at Wembley was incredible. Was great to see the team enjoying every moment, and fighting/ chasing at every opportunity.

13 May 2024 08:05:16
There was a moment, when 4-0 up in added time, one of players gave the ball away high up on the left and despite looking knackered worked really hard to win it back. That's a winners mentality there, and what most of us miss seeing regularly!

12 May 2024 13:52:38


Shappy has written an article entitled, Hidden Gem Players Manchester United Could Sign

12 May 2024 14:06:28
Bardghji is out with a long term knee injury, expected to return in Feb 2025.

12 May 2024 14:40:39
Surprised you didn’t suggest Luca Netz or Bradley Locko for LB tbf.

12 May 2024 07:39:11
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, Evaluating Potential Manchester United Managers

12 May 2024 11:19:58
Very good summary Shappy. I agree with your choice’s. I do also think the Crystal Palace manager has come in and done a great job as well, maybe a consideration. We are not the attractive proposition we one were but with a much better setup, fingers crossed it all comes together. We definitely need patience but if we can what see a clear plan, it will make a lot of difference.

12 May 2024 11:32:51
Glasner has had a great start to life at Palace, I'd want to see him over a whole season at Palace before judging him to be honest.

12 May 2024 11:57:15
I've said it from the start the best 2 options are Amorim and Potter they can both implement a style that the club can work to over time.

This is something I just don't see with people like Tuchel, Southgate, even Zidane.

I agree mostly with your review of de zerbi except I don't see any tactical nous, he has a tactic/ style which either works or it doesn't a little bit like ETH there's 1 way and it's never really adjusted for issues.

I've heard more about Amorim and the state of sporting when he came in to make him even more my first choice, ed has said not to get our hopes up but with other clubs not taking him we might have a chance still, I also think based on some of our transfer targets from eds list he's a good choice.

I do think the new set up are making a slight mistake not making it clear either way on the manager. If he's going at the end of the season just say that, make it clear to the players they're performances and attitudes are being monitored by Wilcox, fletcher, brailsford. If he's staying even more so it's better to say it as everything's falling apart and the questions are constantly about the manager you look daft saying it in 2/ 3 weeks time when there's no football.

Maybe there's a contractual or cash or a mix of both reason that's all I can think.

12 May 2024 13:31:19
They probably are DBrooks, just not airing their laundry in pubkic quite rightly. They all know they’re on trial by now surely?

12 May 2024 13:56:48
Eric just don't see the benefit anymore in not clearing up the manager situation he's not going before the end of the season that's clear.

If your keeping him you probably should have said a few weeks back saying it now or later looks a bit daft, if he's going stop the questions and let things settle a bit before the FA Cup final.

12 May 2024 18:28:30
Possibly. But maybe their first choice is no longer available for the time being, so making a wrong move and appointing a ten Hag replacement they didn’t really want would be a disaster. We’ve seen that with our squad when we sign our 3/ 4th choice.

Maybe it’s better off keeping him for now. Maybe they’ve just changed their minds which is also ok to do.

12 May 2024 00:28:56
One of the biggest games of the season tomorrow for me.

Never have I gone into a game with less optimism.

Injuries have killed us but I fully expect the team to fight and make it competitive. If we grab an early goal anything could happen.

If it gets messy I Ten Hag could be gone.

There are excuses but also some glaring mistakes.

Tomorrow will tell us a lot.

12 May 2024 03:20:45
Why tomorrow? The only important game left this season is the cup final, tomorrow we will most likely lose as Arsenal are a lot better than us and our players have already given up.

12 May 2024 06:58:19
If its Evans and cas as CB's it will be a long day. Might as well play the young guys from the academy, if they get turned over no shame. Rather play Mc as a CB than those two.

12 May 2024 08:08:15
Let's be honest, if we come away from this with anything better than a 3-0 loss then we can probably count ourselves lucky.

We are in terrible form, can hardly create a chance, let alone score a goal. While we have an injury crisis meaning we will at best be able to name one half fit CB in the starting lineup.

Palace just smashed us 4-0, and we are playing Arsenal. A team fighting for the title, who are in great form, have the best defensive records, play a style that controls the game, and are scoring pretty freely.

I think there is a genuine chance that we suffer a record defeat today. It feels like we are at the centre of the perfect storm right now. It'll take something special from the players to avoid us being embarrassed today.

12 May 2024 08:44:59
I can't see beyond us getting mullered, a record score against and Arsenal enhancing their good by a phenomenal figure. The guys who got us into this sh*t should face that humiliation, not up and coming youngsters.

12 May 2024 08:51:46
I’m more optmistic we might get something ??.

12 May 2024 09:10:06
We are woeful given the sheer number of injuries and patchwork back four. But we haven’t seen Arsenal wobble yet. Have they really shaken the tag of ‘bottle jobs’?

If we frustrate Arsenal I can see a cagey 1-1, but if Casemiro of in the back 4 it could be a cricket score.

In better news Martinez is said to be desperate to play. He is such a breath of fresh air in this side and his fitness will be critical to improving next season.

12 May 2024 09:42:04
Totally agree with fizz and gds, only game I give a shiny sh#t about is the final and also I wouldn't give any of these grifters the opportunity to hide . Sick of these players and sick to death of being in this position every 2 years.

12 May 2024 10:21:35
Exactly Deano. Going to be interesting inside OT today and Wednesday. Two very tough fixtures that we should be relishing, but I’m not expecting anything from either given the state of our injuries, and the complete contrast in desire between our players and their Arsenal and Newcastle counterparts.

This feels like a carbon copy of two years ago, and two years before that. And so on….

12 May 2024 10:26:06
Wazza, Martinez is the only player who isn't a youngster that I care about in our current squad.

I can see the benefits players like Bruno, Rashford, Onana, Mount, Dalot and Shaw bring to the squad. And I wouldn't be pushing to sell any of them this summer.

Yet I also wouldn't care that much if a good offer came in for them and we accepted it.

Beyond Garnacho, Mainoo and Højlund, Martinez is the only non-sellable player we have. He's a leader, a warrior and actually good enough to be first choice. I don't care who wears the armband, Martinez is the real captain of this side.

You see it when he plays, he encourages and inspires those around him and he makes them better players when he's alongside them.

His desperate desire to get back on the pitch even for a game that effectively doesn't matter now shows he has the character that so many of our squad is missing.

Hopefully he can come back next season injury free and be a regular starter next season, because while we have missed his talent, it is his infectious mentality that we are in dire need of.

12 May 2024 11:05:40
Fact wazza ? going weds and dreading it tbh . Why I would keep the manager for another season ?‍♂️ we need to know what happens in the 3rd year . We can't just keep sacking managers after 2 years and starting again, it's counter productive imo.

Ten hag has a lot to answer for this season, some of decisions and set ups have beggared belief, but we are still looking at the same players hiding and downing tools knowing that they can get rid of the bloke they don't like and start the whole sorry saga again.

Imo, if we don't stick now we will be in the sh#t for decades .

12 May 2024 14:12:16
My concern with Martinez is that he is not at all careful with his body. The most recent injury he picked up was most likely as a result of his excessively and unnecessarily aggressive protection of a ball going out of play for a goal kick. Being very small for a CB he quite possibly overcompensates. He needs to find the correct balance in his game. Otherwise he could end up with injury after injury.